GAS PLANT STORAGE TANKS INTEGRITY STUDY(FITNESS FOR SERVICE AND REMAINING LIFE ASSESSMENT

摘要

Storage tanks for propane, butane and condensate, in continuous service for over 20 years, without any internal inspection were required to be assessed for Code compliance according to API. Assessment took the form of a review of the original construction records, operating and maintenance histories, NDT inspection and acoustic emission testing. A qualitative risk assessment was performed to identify potential failure mechanisms, and the condition of the ringwall on one tank was investigated in detail. Finite element analysis was applied to identify areas of local stress, and to determine the maximum liquid levels in two of the tanks to remain within Code. This project is an example of the marriage of different analytical techniques to conduct a condition assessment on structures that have been in long-term continuous operation, yet without having to take the structure out of service for physical examination.